ACTSA condemns the brutal repression of protesters by security forces in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, we are appalled by President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, saying that the actions of the security forces are “just a foretaste of things to come.”
On 12 January, Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) suddenly announced that the price of fuel would be more than doubled. In response, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions called for a three-day strike.
Despite government attempts to shut down the internet, news has emerged of the vicious nature of the response by the security forces. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum says it recorded at least 844 human rights violations during the shutdown, with at least 12 killings and 78 gunshot wounds. In addition, it is reported that there have been several hundred arrests, including of leading civil society activists and some opposition MPs.
The international community must call for:
- An end to the deployment of the military.
- Any police response to respect the law; civil society activists and opposition politicians have to be allowed to operate freely.
- An end to government interference with citizens’ internet access, including social media and messaging services.
- An independent investigation of human rights violations led by the African Union or the United Nations; such an investigation must shed light on who gave the orders for the security forces to commit the violations noted above (something that the Commission of Inquiry on the August 1 2018 Post Election Violence failed to do).
Furthermore, the international community should completely suspend any initiatives relating to re-engaging with the GoZ. It is unacceptable to discuss issues such as debt restructuring and private sector investment while Zimbabwean civilians are being assaulted and even killed. If the violations continue, the European Union and the UK (if it is no longer a member state of the EU) should review EU sanctions on Zimbabwe.